A grad student attempts to unlock a criminal's laptopn in a laboratory setting

Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate

About the Digital Forensics Graduate Program

Study the growing field of Digital Forensics at RWU, where students learn how to solve computer crimes like viruses, data sabotage and financial fraud. Through hands-on study in our Forensics and Networking Security lab, you’ll discover how investigators acquire, analyze and manage evidence collected from computers and mobile devices, as well as how to present this evidence in court.

Digital Forensics Program Facts

Format

Online

Schedule

Asynchronous online

Credits Required

9

Time Commitment

1 year

Cost

2026-2027 Academic Year
$1,176 per credit

Fees

2026-2027 Academic Year
$145 per semester

Apply By

Fall: March 1 (priority), June 15 (regular), August 1 (final) 

Spring: November 1 (priority), December 15 (regular), January 6 (final) 

Summer: March 1 (regular), April 1 (final)

Digital Forensics Curriculum Overview

The study of digital forensics is a growing field for both law enforcement as well as corporate employees. Within this three-course certificate, students will understand NTFS and FAT Operating Systems, be able to develop sound evidence for presentation in court, and be able to manage evidence safely and acceptably.

The Digital Forensics certificate program is taught fully online and can be stacked with the Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, or Cyberspecialist certificates (must earn three total), along with a thesis project, to earn the M.S. in Cybersecurity.

Digital Forensics Degree Requirements

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Digital Forensics Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand the basic concepts of digital forensics.
  2. Examine legal compliance, discovery, and corporate investigations.
  3. Handle digital evidence for file systems, deleted files, and slack space.
  4. Utilize validation tools for hashing and imaging. Appraise some professional software such as FTK and EnCase Forensic, etc.
  5. Collect and handle artifacts from emails, the internet, Windows registry, memory, and recycle bin. Learn data carving techniques.
  6. Handle memory, steganography, and expert testimony.
  7. Device shell scripting and Python tools such as regular expressions and data analysis.
  8. Write professional forensics reports.

Application Requirements

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate programs, applicants must hold an earned Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.

Each application will be reviewed using a portfolio approach - all parts of the application will be considered, inclusive of grades and trend of grades, letters of recommendation, the letter of intent, and other information that candidates for admission may wish to submit.

Application Materials

1. Completed application form and $55 application fee
An application fee is not required for RWU students.

2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
The Office of Graduate Admission will obtain transcripts on behalf of RWU students.

3. Letter of Intent (no more than two double-spaced pages) describing your interest in the Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate Program, career goals, and how you can positively contribute to the graduate program at Roger Williams University

Uploading Materials

Once an applicant has submitted the application form they will have access to a portal to upload all supplemental materials (transcript copies, letter of intent, portfolio, resume, etc.)

Alternatively, documents can be submitted via email to gradadmit@rwu.edu

Any official documents that must be mailed (i.e. transcripts) should be sent directly to:
Office of Graduate Admission
1 Old Ferry Rd.
Bristol, RI 02809

International Applicants

International applicants are required to submit an external transcript evaluation.  If your first language is not English, an official report of TOEFL or IELTS results is also required to apply to graduate programs.

International applicants should read additional requirements for non-U.S. residents using the link below.

Learn More About the Digital Forensics Program

The Office of Graduate Admission hosts Open Houses and Virtual Information Sessions throughout the year. 

View our upcoming events for the most current opportunities to hear about the Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate.

Contact Us

Shakour Abuzneid, Ph.D.